Assessment of primary schools' environment in Erbil city

摘要

Background and objective: Healthy school environment is one of the main determinants of students’ health in order to maximize the benefit from the educational programs. This study was aimed to assess the primary school environment in Erbil city. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 50 primary schools in Erbil city out of 242 schools through the academic year 2010-2011. Data were collected using a questionnaire constructed by the researchers which included general information, area around the school, school environment, class-room and school canteen. Results: Most of the primary schools were located near the main street, nearly all (98%) the streets leading to the schools were paved. In contrast, thirty one (62%) schools had been exposed to a pollution source, mainly noise (54.84%) and garbage (45.16%) pollution. The majority of the schools had standard school fencing, school yard, and garbage container, and only 8 (16%) of them had available/standard school ground. The study showed that nearly half of the schools had appropriate classroom s, lighting, and majority of them had adequate desks, appropriate blackboards and clean classrooms, while ventilation and age appropriate desks were partially available. The amount of chlorine in water was not tested. There is lack of materials in the first aid kits. Canteens were available, but not standard and the working staff did not have the health certificate. Conclusion: School environment in Erbil city is not optimum.